Report

Report component and purpose

Instructions

Component: Executive Summary

(sometimes called an abstract)

Purpose: to sum up the entire report

(In the real world, this is often the only section of the report that is read.)

Include, in paragraph form, a summary of :

· The purpose of the report (why it was written)

· The problem and how it was investigated

· What you found out and what you concluded

· Your recommendations and limitation on these (if applicable).

Component: Table of contents

List the report topics using decimal notation. Include the main headings and sub headings with corresponding page numbers, using a format that makes the hierarchy of the topics clear.

Component: Introductions

Purpose: to introduce the topic and objectives of the report

Set the scene; give some background information about the topic. State the aim/purpose of the investigation. Explain the research methods. Outline the sections of the report.

Note; The introduction differs from the executive summary as it introduced the topic, whereas an executive summary summaries each section of the report including the findings and recommendations. Findings and recommendations are not included in an introduction.

Component: Body of the report or discussion

Purpose: to discuss information relevant to the report's objectives and analyse the data that was gathered.

Organise the sections in a logical sequence: what you investigated, what you found. Include examples to back up your ideas, with particular reference to what you found in research.

Component: Conclusion

Sum up what has been achieved and the significance of your findings and your discussion. Have your aims been successful or not? Bring everything together. Do not include new information.

Component: Recommendations

What do you recommend as a course of action in light of your findings? Always make sure that the recommendations flow from the conclusions.

Component: List of references

List all the sources you referred to in your report in accordance with APA referencing style.